Floral Vale Professional Park • 503 Floral Vale Blvd • Yardley, PA 19067
215-497-0240   •   215-497-0259 (fax)   •   Email: babelt@aol.com

Invest In Your Child's Future

Do these scenarios sound familiar?

  • Your child is aggressive with children at school and even fights with the teacher. Your work day is frequently interrupted by calls from school regarding your child's inappropriate behavior.
  • Your child is sad or even depressed, and feels isolated and without friends due to his inappropriate behavior with peers.
  • You feel that you need time off after your vacation because your trip was plagued by squabbling and temper tantrums.
  • Your child has difficulty sleeping and keeps you up all night. You are tired and impatient and frustrate easily?
  • Your child suffers from low self-esteem as a result of his or her chronic academic difficulties or failures.
  • It breaks your heart when your bright child tells you how "dumb" or "stupid" he is or that he is "too much trouble" and "should have never been born."
  • You are constantly refereeing between your oppositional child and his or her siblings.
  • You feel as if you perpetually work overtime due to the amount of time you must spend helping your child with homework. Then, you see your child studying for a test and understanding the material, but then your child forgets the material the next day.

Over the course of our lifetime we all make many investments with an eye toward a better life and well-being in the future. EEG Biofeedback, especially as part of a multimodal treatment program, is a sound investment in your child's future. Any parent who has struggled with the effects of long-term attentional and learning problems, impulsivity and hyperactivity, or sleep irregularities, understands the overlapping and far-reaching consequences of these difficulties: a high risk for family conflict and upheaval, academic difficulties or failure, poor social and emotional adjustment, low self-esteem—not minor consequences or events in the life of your child.

What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterized by inattention, distractibility, and impulsivity. Three main subtypes of ADHD have been identified:
—one dominated by inattention
—another characterized mainly by impulsivity and hyperactivity
—and a third that is afflicted with both inattention and the impulsivity/hyperactivity.

The characteristics of ADD/ADHD include:

  • Easily distracted
  • Difficulty with task completion and organizational skills
  • Impulsive behavior often engaging in physically dangerous activities
  • Difficulty staying seated and fidgets with hands and feet
  • Difficulty following directions
  • Often talks excessively
  • Often doesn't seem to listen to what is being said
  • Hyperactivity

It is important to recognize that what may seem like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, (an individual is easily distracted, impulsive, difficulty focusing and concentrating) may be the result of another form of brain disregulation. For example, such conditions as chronic stress, neurological over-stimulation, or emotional problems, may result in attentional difficulties or behavioral problems, but are not truly Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Fortunately, these conditions may also be helped through EEG Biofeedback training.

Why EEG Biofeedback and not a treatment like medication?

EEG Biofeedback, obviously, is not the only treatment for attentional difficulties or other disorders. However, medication like Ritalin, usually only offers a quick fix, a masking of symptoms, but often at the cost of long-term continual use or negative side effects. Some of the documented side effects of Ritalin use include loss of appetite, nutritional deficiencies, sleep problems, or blunted affect. Even the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency and the American Psychiatric Association strongly cautions against the overdiagnosis of Attention Deficit and the over-prescription of stimulants like Ritalin. Even modest estimates indicate that the prescription use of stimulants for the treatment of ADHD increased over 400% between 1990 and 1996. Unfortunately, such treatments are not effective long term treatment because they do not get at the root of the problem: an electrochemical disregulation of brain function. EEG Biofeedback, on the other hand, addresses exactly these maladaptive brainwave patterns which interfere with attention or other necessary neurological functions. Although psychopharmacological treatments are sometimes necessary, we believe that medication should not be used as a first resort. We are extremely wary of reinforcing the ritualistic connection between taking pills and health that is held by many individuals. Instead, we believe that adults and children have the capacity to learn and succeed in school and work without the use of medication. Therefore, we strive to help empower individuals to utilize their own resources and skills to acquire and maintain their physical and emotional health.

How does EEG Biofeedback work? How does the training affect individuals with Attention Deficit Disorder?

Research has shown that brain waves in individuals with Attention Deficit Disorder usually contain excessive slow waves (theta) and not enough fast wave activity (beta) during activities requiring concentration and learning. During EEG Biofeedback Training a computer-based EEG monitoring system processes signals from the brain and translates them into immediate feedback by means of a video game-like display. While individuals usually play video games with a joystick, mouse or control pad, clients who train with EEG Biofeedback "play" and "win" the games using their brain waves. During EEG Biofeedback, sensors or electrodes, usually one placed on the scalp and one on each ear lobe, measure the brain wave activity and translate it into visual and audio feedback signals. With the feedback from these games, an individual can strengthen his or her control over brainwave processes and normalize any disregulations such as the slow wave activity associated with ADD/ADHD. For example, in order to "win" biofeedback games, a client must change their brain wave activity in order to reach certain goals set by the biofeedback therapist. Usually, for individuals with Attention Deficit Disorder, they must decrease their slow wave (theta) activity and increase their fast wave (beta) activity; when they achieve these goals they are reinforced by the audio-visual rewards of the computer game.

EEG Biofeedback is completely non-invasive; it does not change the brain, nor does it change the underlying personality. Electrodes, attached by a conductive paste, simply measure small changes in brainwave frequencies, amplify these changes, and translate them into feedback signals via the video game display. An individual then uses this feedback information in order to recognize and understand the effects of small changes in brainwave activity. Then, with this information, one makes appropriate changes in order to correct maladaptive patterns and strengthen more positive ones.

Most important, research has shown that once the brain learns to regulate itself, it continues to do so. Once learning and control is crystallized, as with riding a bike, re-learning is not necessary. EEG Biofeedback training allows individuals to gain more control over their brain state. As physical exercise usually increases flexibility and control, so does EEG Biofeedback, but for the brain. More control and flexibility has a great impact on a variety of mental activities--increased attention, better sleep, increased feelings of well-being, less depression or pain, reduced negative feelings or behavior, better ability to relax. By training an individual to shift their patterns or to maintain certain patterns for longer periods, the resulting increased flexibility and strength enables one to more effectively meet the changing and varied demands of the environment.

What are the results of EEG Biofeedback Training for Attention Deficit Disorder?

Because EEG Biofeedback has a generalized impact on brain wave function—it helps to increase strength and flexibility—it often produces a wide range of positive results. It makes sense that if you are helping your brain to better control and manage itself, the brain more effectively regulates all of the functions it controls. Specific improvements for ADHD may include:
  • Improved attention and reduced hyperactivity.
  • Improved learning and listening skills.
  • Improved behavior and school grades.
  • Improved ability to follow through on tasks and assignments.
  • Enhanced self-esteem.
  • Significant increase in IQ and achievement test scores.
  • Improved study and learning skills.
  • Improved problem solving ability.
  • Improved organizational skills.
  • Improved handwriting.

Is EEG Biofeedback used to treat other disorders or difficulties?

Yes, clinical evidence indicates that individuals who suffer from many other conditions may greatly benefit from EEG Biofeedback Training. These difficulties, like Attention Deficit Disorder, usually have a neurophysiological basis characterized by maladaptive brainwave patterns. These patterns may be the result of genetic predispositions or other various stressors, including accidents, chemical exposure, minor closed head injury, severe emotional trauma, and birth trauma. Regardless, EEG Biofeedback empowers an individual to correct the patterns associated with these conditions. EEG Biofeedback training may produce significant positive changes for a variety of conditions including:
  • Attention Deficits
  • Hyperactivity, Conduct problems or oppositional behavior
  • Learning Problems
  • Sleep Disorders, Bruxism (teeth grinding)
  • Autism
  • Traumatic Brain Injury and Strokes
  • Chronic pain, migraines
  • PMS symptoms
  • Depression, anxiety, panic attacks, stress
  • Addiction (Drug, alcohol, or other)
  • Emotional instability and PTSD
  • Epilepsy
  • Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia

EEG Biofeedback is often also used to assist individuals in maintaining peak performance. For many high-level executives, professionals, or athletes, EEG Biofeedback allows them to get and keep that extra edge that helps them beat the competition.

What makes our treatment approach unique?

Our approach is unique from that of many other EEG Biofeedback practitioners because we offer a multi-dimensional treatment program that addresses various aspects of an individuals difficulties. With a more holistic approach, we strive to blend traditional methods and incorporate alternative treatments in order to address multiple variables. Many practitioners and therapists use EEG Biofeedback as an adjunct to traditional therapies because EEG Biofeedback seems to speed up overall treatment and/or improve the effectiveness of other interventions, often reducing the risk of later relapse. Consequently, EEG Biofeedback, the cornerstone of our treatment program, is often integrated with other available services including:
  • ADD/ADHD Evaluation
  • Behavior Modification and Coaching
  • Parent Training and Support Groups
  • Psycho-Educational Evaluation
  • School Advocacy
  • Psychiatric and Homeopathic Consultation
  • Neurological Consultation
  • Nutritional Consultation
  • Individual, Group, and Family Therapy

Our staff includes highly trained, male and female therapists who have been professionally trained in EEG biofeedback, counseling and related skills. Attention Deficit Specialists is also affiliated with our parent company, CEPD (Center for Educational and Personal Development). CEPD offers additional psychological services, including treatments for anxiety, depression, panic attacks, chronic fatigue, chronic pain, and head injuries. Ask for details about CEPD. In addition, we are also affiliated with EEG Spectrum International, Inc., a research organization and national provider of EEG Biofeedback. EEG Spectrum International has done important research studies that document the efficacy of EEG Biofeedback for Attention Deficit and other Disorders. For more information, visit their website at www.eegspectrum.com.

What is the origin of EEG Biofeedback Training?

EEG Biofeedback training is a relatively new (late 1980s), advanced type of biofeedback that is being offered by a dramatically growing group of practitioners across the country. Unlike traditional methods of biofeedback, EEG Biofeedback impacts brainwaves directly resulting in a change to neurophysiology. More than 30 years ago, research indicated that individuals could learn to re-formulate their brain wave activity associated with slow or fast frequencies. Most of the original work was with individuals who suffered from seizures, a condition that was particular difficult yet amenable to treatment. More recently, research efforts have indicated that less neurologically severe conditions like depression, anxiety and stress, attention deficits, chronic pain, or chemical abuse, can also be improved through brain wave training. Most important, recent advances in computer technology have resulted in affordable equipment with the capacity, sensitivity and speed to enable a person to recognize and train brainwave patterns.

If it is so effective and beneficial, why haven't you or your doctor heard about EEG Biofeedback?

Many individuals have heard about traditional methods of biofeedback (relaxation training, heart rate, hand temperature, etc.), but many have not heard about EEG Biofeedback. Many health professionals may be familiar with EEG Biofeedback, but they may only be familiar with common early experiments with alpha training, rather than Beta/SMR training or more recent advances in Alpha training. Unfortunately, although these early alpha training experiments were instructive, they were associated with 1960s counter culture movements, and consequently, did not gain much scientific credibility with the traditional medical community. However, over the past 30 years significant strides have been made in our understanding of neurophysiology, abnormalities, and scientific means to intervene, control, and improve brain functioning. We understand that all individuals, especially doctors or other health professionals, should maintain a healthy skepticism about any treatment modality which claims numerous benefits. Consequently, we have information for doctors or health professionals who may question the efficacy of EEG Biofeedback or who would simply like to further their understanding of what we consider to be the "Psychology of the Future." In addition, we recommend that you refer any interested individuals to our website at www.addsolutions.com.

The EEG Biofeedback Treatment Process—What can you expect?

First, an initial interview (psychodiagnostic evaluation and testing, approximately two hour duration) is conducted in order to obtain a description of symptoms, health history of the family and client, and any other necessary information. Often an initial EEG Training session is performed in order to acquire baseline EEG measurements. In addition, the TOVA (Test of Variables of Attention) is administered in order to assess such variables as inattention, impulsivity, response time and variability. After this initial consultation, the typical course of treatment is 40 sessions, two sessions per week, for five months. Appointments are usually 45 minutes with actual feedback time of 20-30 minutes.

EEG Biofeedback Training is similar to physical therapy, but for the brain. One sees the best results and improvements, including maintenance of changes, when learning is practiced and reinforced frequently, especially in the beginning stages of the process. Because we want our clients to benefit the most they can from the training, we recommend at least two training sessions per week. Different individuals progress with EEG Biofeedback at different paces. For some individuals, 20 sessions may show marked improvement; for the majority of clients, 40 sessions is average. The goal is to complete enough sessions so that the learning of control is accomplished and further sessions are not necessary. Like riding a bike or driving a car, it takes a lot of practice for the changes to become second nature or the dominant pattern. Once the learning of control takes root, the changes are usually permanent and re-learning is not necessary. With EEG Biofeedback, individuals basically learn how to help the brain regulate and manage itself. Consequently, the changes can have a broad impact, with noticeable effects in many different functions controlled by the brain.

In addition, we must emphasize that EEG Biofeedback Training requires a consistent investment of time, effort, and practice. Clients who miss sessions frequently and do not apply themselves, often do not do as well. Consequently, we encourage clients to make every effort to make and keep appointments and to be consistently ready and motivated to do the training. In addition, if homework is assigned—practicing relaxation exercises, deep breathing, relaxation tapes—it is integral to the treatment process and should be practiced frequently and regularly.

Are there ways of financing the treatment?

Admittedly, the expense of EEG Biofeedback is not an inconsequential amount, but it is a sound investment for insuring your child's future well-being. Discounts for full or partial pre-payment of treatment are available. Many medical and psychological insurance plans now cover biofeedback for various conditions; insurance often covers approximately 30-50% of the expense. Some plans require co-payments, others have annual caps. Some insurance plans may require a prescription for the treatment and a diagnosis; others may require pre-authorization. Each client can verify the treatments covered by their insurance policy, including any applicable deductibles or co-payments. We will usually submit insurance forms and determine the extent of coverage. Clients are fully responsible for all fees unpaid by insurance. However, if insurance does not cover all or even part of the treatment program, other payment plans, including a loan option through Premier Bank (also located in the Floral Vale Professional Park) are also available. The full cost of treatment may be borrowed as part of the Premier Bank loan, which includes a two year term at 12% interest. (Please ask for more information and an application.)

Does treatment work for everyone? Are there any negative side effects? What if treatment doesn't seem to be working?

It is not possible to predict with certainty that EEG Biofeedback Training will be successful for a particular person or a particular individual. However, for most of the more common or uncomplicated conditions, such as simple attention difficulties, a reasonable prediction of outcome is usually possible. For most conditions, there are no known adverse side effects of EEG Biofeedback Training, provided that the treatment is conducted under professional guidance. (Negative side effects are more possible for individuals with severe neurological instabilities.)

In addition, it is important to recognize that individuals generally need to complete at least 20 sessions to realize significant improvement. At times, after about 20 or so sessions, a client may be frustrated because he/she has not seen marked improvements, and often prematurely discontinues treatment. Unfortunately, at this point in the treatment, many of the changes are subtle and somewhat difficult to recognize. In fact, most courses of treatment average 40 sessions. However, EEG Biofeedback, like medical treatments, does not work for everyone. Some individuals see dramatic improvements after 20 or so sessions, for others changes are much more gradual. If clients are feeling frustrated or concerned at any point in the treatment process, we strongly encourage communication with our team. If clients are considering or plan to terminate treatment, we request an appointment with Barry Belt, our director, in order to discuss the factors contributing to any decision. We encourage open communication from the very beginning in order to prevent and facilitate the resolution of any problems. We believe that feedback is essential for us for promoting and insuring the quality care and service all of our clients deserve.

If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us.

For more information, contact
Attention Deficit Specialists
Barry Belt, MA, Director • Gretchen M. Lichtner, M.Ed.

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ATTENTION DEFICIT SPECIALISTS
Floral Vale Professional Park • 503 Floral Vale Blvd • Yardley, PA 19067
215-497-0240   •   215-497-0259 (fax)